Reaction of Cu(CN)32− with H2O2 in water under alkaline conditions: Cyanide oxidation, Cu+/Cu2+ catalysis and H2O2 decomposition

•H2O2 oxidized Cu(CN)32− to Cu(CN)2− with the formation of cyanate and H2O firstly.•The oxidation of cyanide from Cu(CN)2− led to Cu+ liberation.•The Fenton-like reaction proceeded between the released Cu+ and H2O2.•H2O2 was decomposed into O2 due to catalysis of Cu+/Cu2+ under alkaline conditions.

Cuprous cyanide is widely present in electroplating wastewater or metallurgical effluents. In the present study, the destruction of Cu(CN)32− with H2O2 in water under alkaline conditions was investigated. H2O2 oxidized the cyanide from Cu(CN)32− to cyanate with the formation of Cu(CN)2− firstly. Following, the continuous oxidation of cyanide from Cu(CN)2− and the attendant dissociation of Cu(CN)2− led to progressive liberation of Cu+. Transformation of Cu+ to Cu2+ was confirmed afterward by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Meantime, the •OH signal was detected by electron spin resonance assay. It was concluded that Fenton-like reaction occurred between the liberated Cu+ and H2O2. UV–vis spectra studies revealed the formation of superoxo-cupric complex between Cu2+ and H2O2 in alkaline conditions, which decomposed into Cu2+ species and O2 finally. Thus, how to improve the utilization of H2O2 and enhance the destruction of Cu(CN)32− should be considered in the treatment of Cu(CN)32− wastewater.

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